The U.S. Department of Justice says Sgt. Gary J. Shine entered the plea Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

During the hearing, prosecutors say Shine admitted that on Oct. 21, 2012, he struck a Jefferson Parish Correctional Center inmate with his knee, while the inmate's hands were cuffed behind his back. Shine also admitted punching the inmate in the head.

The department said Shine acknowledged the inmate didn't pose a threat to Shine or any other person, and that there was no legal justification for Shine to strike the inmate.

ATTACKING AN INMATE AT THE PARISH JAIL. THE DEPUTY IS IDENTIFIED AS GARY SHINE. HE PLED GUILTY WEDNESDAY. THE ATTACKED HAPPENED IN OCTOBER OF 2012. DURING WEDNESDAY'S HEARING SHINE ADMITTED THAT HE HIT THE INMATE WITH HIS KNEE WHILE THE PRISONER'S HANDS WERE HANDCUFFED BEHIND HIS BACK. HE ALSO ADMITTED TO PUNCHING HIM IN THE HEAD. SENTENCING FOR SHINE IS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY. HE FACES 10 YEARS IN PRISON. NEW THIS MORNING, NEW ORLEANS